Raising healthy chickens begins with appropriate nutrition. Feeding your flock the appropriate food plan at each phase of existence is important for expansion, egg creation, and General perfectly-currently being. No matter if you're increasing chicks, pullets, or adult hens, knowledge their modifying nutritional requires aids ensure a happy and effective flock. This hen feeding guide walks you through what to feed your birds from day just one for their golden laying many years.
1. Starter Feed (0–6 Weeks Previous)
The main couple of weeks of a chick’s existence are essential. During this era, chicks need large-protein starter feed to assist swift expansion and progress. Most starter feeds comprise eighteen–20% protein, together with the ideal harmony of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
Type: Crumbles or mash (simpler for tiny beaks to try to eat)
Health supplements: Grit is unneeded if feeding only commercial starter feed.
Idea: Stay away from giving treats far too early—starter feed must be their sole diet program to make sure balanced nourishment.
two. Grower Feed (6–18 Weeks Aged)
As chicks expand into pullets (teenage chickens), their food plan shifts to grower feed. This feed has marginally lessen protein material, ordinarily fifteen–seventeen%, and fewer calcium than layer feed to stop kidney troubles in youthful birds.
Intent: Supports steady progress devoid of encouraging untimely laying.
Sort: Crumbles or pellets.
Nutritional supplements: Grit if you introduce grains or treats.
Idea: Avoid layer feed till they begin laying, as superior calcium concentrations can damage establishing organs.
3. Layer Feed (eighteen+ Weeks / Initial Egg)
Once your pullets lay their first egg, it’s time to modify to layer feed. This specially formulated feed contains about sixteen% protein and a greater level of calcium to guidance eggshell formation.
Variety: Crumbles or pellets.
Dietary supplements: Provide oyster shell or crushed eggshells free-choice for more calcium.
Tip: Some hens want crumbles above pellets—notice your flock’s desire.
4. Broiler Feed (For Meat Birds)
In case you’re boosting chickens for meat, your feeding technique is different. Broilers require a high-protein, Vitality-dense feed to aid rapid bodyweight get.
Starter (0–three months): 22–24% protein.
Finisher (3 weeks to harvest): eighteen–20% protein.
Idea: Keep an eye on feed carefully—overfeeding may result in leg troubles or heart issues.
five. Treats and Scraps (All Ages, carefully)
Treats might be a good nutritional supplement to the chickens’ diet plan, but they must make up no more than 10% of day by day intake. Present healthful options like leafy greens, oats, cooked rice, or fruits.
Keep away from: Salty foods, chocolate, avocado, Uncooked beans, or moldy scraps.
Use grit: Should your flock eats total grains or roughage, offer grit to assist digestion.
Remaining Guidelines
Always supply clean QH88 up, new drinking water—it’s additional essential than feed.
Retail outlet feed properly to prevent mold and pests.
Adjust feed parts dependant on flock sizing and age.
Feeding chickens properly at Every single everyday living phase makes certain a flourishing flock, greater egg generation, and less health problems. With the best eating plan, your birds will reward you with eggs, companionship, and maybe several clucks of appreciation!